As buildings and roads get older, keeping walkways and floors safe becomes more important. Over time, surfaces wear down, making them more slippery. That’s why this is essential for safety.
This article explains why older buildings and roads need this test, the benefits, and how to improve safety.

Why older infrastructure needs slip testing

As time passes, floors and roads experience wear and tear. Weather, heavy foot traffic, and daily use can make surfaces slippery. Some key reasons for this include worn surfaces, water buildup, outdated materials, and lack of maintenance.
When materials break down, they reduce grip. Cracks and uneven surfaces trap water, increasing slip risks. Older flooring may not meet today’s safety standards, while dirt, mold, and grime make surfaces more hazardous. Regularly doing this testing helps identify hazards before accidents happen, allowing property owners to take corrective measures.

The Benefits of Slip Testing

Conducting slip testing on older surfaces brings multiple benefits.

One of the key advantages is ensuring people’s safety. Slip-and-fall accidents happen frequently, especially in high-traffic areas. By testing surfaces for slip resistance, property owners can ensure that floors, sidewalks, and roads remain safe for everyone.

Another benefit is meeting safety standards. There are strict regulations for slip resistance, and property owners must comply with standards like ANSI A137.1 and ANSI A 326.3. Regular slip testing helps reduce legal risks by ensuring surfaces meet these requirements.

Additionally, preventing accidents before they happen is a major reason to conduct slip testing. Identifying slippery surfaces early allows businesses and cities to make necessary improvements, reducing the likelihood of falls and injuries.

Lastly, extending the lifespan of infrastructure is another key benefit. Routine slip testing allows property owners to plan for maintenance and prevent costly emergency repairs, keeping floors, roads, and sidewalks in good condition.

Best Methods

Different surfaces require different testing methods to provide accurate results. Some of the most effective methods include a tribometer test, which measures how slippery a surface is, and tools like the English pendulum testing, which checks slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions and categorize it in a device-specific scale (PTV).

Another widely used approach is dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) testing, which evaluates how flooring performs under real-world movement. This method relies on scientific basis and refers to a well-known and recognized scale. Devices like the BOT-3000E provides repeatable and reproducible measurements on all types of flooring surfaces. Lastly, on-site traction assessment evaluates slip resistance in the actual environment where people walk.

Although different methods have been used in the past, the most reliable and recognized one in the US over the past decade has been the BOT-3000E, supported by the ANSI A326.3 standard.

How to Improve Slip Resistance

After slip testing, property owners can take several steps to enhance safety. Applying anti-slip coatings can increase traction on surfaces. Upgrading flooring by replacing outdated materials with slip-resistant options can significantly improve safety.
Regular cleaning and maintenance help remove grease, dirt, and mold that contribute to slipperiness. Improving drainage ensures that water does not accumulate, reducing wet surface risks.
Additionally, installing warning signs in hazardous areas alerts pedestrians to potential dangers, further preventing accidents.

Make Slip Testing a Priority

Aging buildings and roads require regular checks to ensure they remain safe. This test plays a crucial role in identifying risks, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and preventing costly accidents. Whether you manage a commercial space, a public road, or a private property, investing in slip resistance testing is a proactive step toward ensuring safety for everyone.
Take action today!
Schedule a professional slip test to safeguard your property. Contact Walkway Management Group for expert slip testing services.